Mario Ballotelli show could be curtailed clash against Croatia

KRAKOW, Poland - Reuters

Italy’s national team players Mario Balotelli (L) and Antonio Cassano talk during a training session ahead of Euro 2012 Group C game against Croatia. EPA Photo

In another life, Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano could have been Italy’s leading comedy double act but their attacking partnership on the field is under threat ahead of the Euro 2012 Group C clash with Croatia today.

The pair is as mad as hatters with Balotelli world renowned for his wacky antics, including setting fire to his bathroom with fireworks and walking into a school full of children and asking for the toilet.

Former wildman Cassano has calmed down slightly now he is married with a child but he loves nothing better than dancing around the pitch in only his underpants after a big game.

Today’s match is no laughing matter, though, and coach Cesare Prandelli is considering splitting the duo up after forward Antonio Di Natale replaced Balotelli off the bench to score in the 1-1 draw with Spain in the group opener.

Croatia, which beat Ireland 3-1 in its first match, poses a very different threat than Spain given the team’s aerial prowess and Prandelli must decide if Balotelli’s strength and height outweigh the fact he struggled against the holder.

“He is a guy of 22 years of age, he is on the road to finding maturity. What I ask is for him to play simply. To help the team and to stretch the play behind the opposition defense,” Prandelli told reporters while reflecting on Balotelli’s bad miss against Spain when he was caught in two minds and tackled.

“When he makes a mistake he must think that there will be other opportunities...and find the conviction to make the right decision next time. The thing to underline is that he won the ball himself (in that chance). When you have two choices it slows you down.”

The moody Balotelli, who at time produces outrageous skill, is not the only player who risks being dropped in Poznan.

Cassano returned in May from five months out following heart surgery and although he played well against the world champions, he failed to manage the 90 minutes.

“I want to understand who is most tired,” said Prandelli, whose forwards are all on the small side except for Balotelli.

Change in plans?

Prandelli even said he was re-evaluating his new three-man defense for the Croatia test but wholesale changes after a well-received display against Spain would worry Italian pundits.

Croatia was also praised for its fast-paced but disciplined dismantling of the Irish with striker Mario Mandzukic impressive in the air as Luka Modric pulled the strings in midfield.

Coach Slaven Bilic thought his side came close to perfection against Ireland but he has been in charge too long and is too much of a tough task master not to motivate his charges.

“We will be more relaxed and not under such pressure after the opening victory, but it can’t be much better than this in the next game,” he said. “Italy is strong, they think about us and about our play.

Prandelli respects us. They have a team and players who can dominate on the pitch. For me, they are not weaker than Spain, especially with Prandelli in charge.”